Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Rai or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Zhengzhou, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Chiang Rai or Zhengzhou?
Chiang Rai
If you find yourself dreaming of a vacation in Northern Thailand, consider the metropolitan city of Chiang Rai. This centrally located capital of the Chiang Rai province provides an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding areas. While it serves well as a home base, it has its own charms worth wandering.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Chiang Rai Prices
Thailand PricesZhengzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $51Zhengzhou $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $51, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $69. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chiang Rai and Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $19Zhengzhou $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $38Zhengzhou $44
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Zhengzhou? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chiang Rai Hotel Prices and Zhengzhou Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.51Zhengzhou $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
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Bus to White Temple$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2 days tour in Chiang rai, included hotel, lunch,pick up&transfer: $137
- Chiang Rai 4 Temples and Lalitta Cafe Full Day Tour with Transfer: $53
- Chiang Rai Airport to Chiang Khong & Golden Triangle Transfer: $54
- Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Private Scenic Transfer Tour: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $80
- Private Chiang Rai Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service!: $27
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes: $98
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Zhengzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $55
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou and Chiang Rai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Rai $22Zhengzhou $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Private Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $36
- Chiang Rai Private Thai and Akha Cooking Class with Market Visit: $48
- Thai Cooking Class in Chiangrai with The Market Tour: $49
- Private Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $52
- Lanna Home Cooking Class at Give Green Farm House: $53
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $55
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $55
- Jungle Trek and Bamboo Cooking in Chiang Rai: $55
- Trekking & bamboo cooking Tour: $57
- Private Local Food Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $59
- From Chiang Rai Jungle Adventure Group Trekking Bamboo Cooking: $61
- Chiang Rai City Highlights with Traditional Dinner & Show: $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $8.13Zhengzhou $5.30
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Half Day Join Tour Chiang Rai Pick Up Only In Chiang Rai: $26
- Half Day Joyfull Tour in Chiang Rai Downtown: $30
- Scenic View ATV Tour and Pineapple Farm Visit in Chiang Rai: $34
- White Temple, Blue and Red Temple Tour from Chiang Rai: $35
- One Day Group Tour Experience in Chiangrai: $40
- Chiang Rai Discovery: Full‑Day Guided Tour & Free Lunch Buffet: $41
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $41
- Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $42
- Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $48
- Chiang Rai Iconic 4 Temples White Blue Red and Lalitta Cafe Tour: $50
- Chiang Rai 7 Incredible Highlights Tour Lunch Included: $55
- ChiangRai Guided 7 Major Sites+Buffet Lunch #All ticket included: $65
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $222
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
- Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Half Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Entry Tickets: $159
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $8.98Zhengzhou $4.26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Chiang Rai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Rai Expensive? and Is Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Zhengzhou, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.